Customers First Podcast

Due to personal reasons, I will be stepping away from Customers First & the podcast to focus on my family. I want to thank you all for your loyalty and support you have shown me over the last 4 years, and I am forever grateful to each and every one of you. After today, there will be no new content being posted for an undetermined period of time. I ask that you respect our privacy during this time.

On this episode of the Customers First podcast, I'm joined by Jamaul Ford, a second-generation entrepreneur who embodies the essence of empathy and community-driven business practices. Our discussion dives deep into his entrepreneurial journey, where he shares insights garnered from a diverse range of experiences in B2B collaborations, emphasizing the power of genuine connection in business. As we explore the importance of understanding market needs, Jamaul stresses the significance of integrating microeconomic principles into business strategies. He advocates for conducting thorough research, utilizing surveys, and crafting minimal viable products (MVPs) to test market interest before launching. By focusing on what potential customers truly want, rather than assumptions, entrepreneurs can better position their products and services for success. Jamaul intriguingly introduces the concept of transforming waiting lists into "wealthy lists," explaining how maintaining communication with interested prospects can ensure a steady cash flow and engaged clientele. We also discuss the vital aspect of geographical dominance in business. Jamaul illustrates the importance of local relevance and how businesses must optimize their presence within their communities to attract and retain customers. Citing the way local referrals can significantly impact customer perception, he underscores the role of building rapport and relationships as a foundational marketing strategy. As the dialogue progresses, Jamaul shares his vision of the future business landscape, highlighting the dual trends shaping entrepreneurship today: the shift towards productized services and the rising significance of generative engine optimization (GEO). He explains how businesses must adapt to an evolving digital landscape, especially with the growing preference for AI-driven solutions, and stresses the urgency for smaller businesses to embrace these changes or risk being left behind. Throughout the episode, listeners are encouraged to focus on authentic relationships and the power of community in crafting extraordinary customer experiences.   Jamaul's Contact Information: Website: https://brandmaven.org Social Media: @jamaulford   Tacey's Contact Information: Website: taceyatkinson.com All Socials: @TaceyAtkinson   Thank you for tuning in, and I look forward to having more valuable conversations together in the future. Remember: Customer-Centric Cultures Create Magical Customer Experiences. Now Go, Create the Magic!

On this episode, I welcome Mr. Mike Viane, a certified business and executive coach, to the Customers First Boardroom. With an impressive 30-year career in the movie industry, including roles at major studios like Warner Bros, Mike brings invaluable insights into the intersection of business acumen and storytelling. Currently, he's the owner of Focal Point Coaching, where he helps a range of clients—from executives to entrepreneurs—navigate growth and organizational reinvention. Mike has learned to work with various personality types in high-pressure environments and how to facilitate better communication and understanding among teams. He emphasizes the importance of authenticity and vulnerability in leadership, especially when striving for a positive work culture and improved guest experiences. One of the most striking concepts we discuss is tactical empathy, as popularized by Chris Voss in his book "Never Split the Difference." Mike explains how replacing judgment with curiosity in business interactions can lead to deeper understanding and better resolutions. He illustrates this approach with a real-life example involving movie theatre managers successfully de-escalating a tense situation with an unhappy guest by applying empathetic communication strategies. We dive into actionable insights as well, particularly the idea of Difference-Making Actions (DMAs). Mike passionately advocates for intentionality in our daily routines, urging listeners to set specific, measurable actions that align with their goals rather than simply getting caught up in reactive tasks. He discusses the importance of making these DMAs a priority at the start of each day, highlighting that small, intentional actions can cumulatively lead to significant personal and professional growth over time. Wrapping up our conversation, we touch on the concept of the "marathon mindset"—a theme that Mike encountered at a recent coaching conference. He outlines the four P's: purpose, preparation, pace, and perseverance, emphasizing how breaking down overwhelming goals into manageable steps can foster sustained progress and mitigate feelings of uncertainty. As we close, Mike leaves us with his core message about the power of focusing on our DMAs to set ourselves up for success. He encourages listeners to take actionable steps daily that contribute to a positive workplace culture and customer experience.   Mike's Contact Information: Website: https://michaelviane.focalpointcoaching.com LinkedIn: @michael-viane-105700195/   Tacey's Contact Information: Website: taceyatkinson.com All Socials: @TaceyAtkinson   Thank you for tuning in, and I look forward to having more valuable conversations together in the future. Remember: Customer-Centric Cultures Create Magical Customer Experiences. Now Go, Create the Magic!

On this episode of the Customers First Podcast, we delve into a thought-provoking conversation with Sonja Price, a future-of-work strategist, executive branding expert, and career acceleration coach. With extensive experience working with professionals from leading companies such as Google, Meta, and Microsoft, Sonja has dedicated the past 15 years to empowering ambitious individuals by helping them navigate their careers to achieve promotions and build impressive personal brands. As the founder of Infinite Leaders and Dynamo Careers, she discusses the importance of remaining relevant and resilient in today's rapidly changing job market. Sonja shares her journey of self-discovery, highlighting her belief that she was destined to become a coach from a young age. Drawing from her diverse career in corporate environments, where she transitioned between roles every few years, she illustrates how these experiences shaped her understanding of business operations and strategy. Her inspiration for starting her coaching business came from conducting customer interviews, where potential clients articulated their need for career coaching, thus validating her direction. This dynamic background enables her to uniquely package the skills and accomplishments of her clients, helping them stand out to prospective employers and decision-makers. The conversation shifts to the pressing need for professionals to future-proof their careers, especially in an era defined by automation and advancements in AI technology. Sonja emphasizes the urgency for individuals, regardless of employment status, to contemplate their future career trajectories and the skills necessary to remain not just relevant but in high demand. She discusses the competitive nature of the current job market and encourages listeners to embrace AI skills as an integral part of their professional development. As we explore the concept of executive branding, Sonja elaborates on how professionals must elevate their personal brands to align with the increasing demands of senior leadership roles. She outlines strategies for enhancing visibility and positioning oneself as a thought leader in one's respective fields, emphasizing the importance of sharing insights through white papers, speaking engagements, and other visible avenues that highlight a professional's expertise. She encourages listeners to find what ignites their passion and to invest in learning leadership techniques that align with their interests. This episode serves as a treasure trove of insights for anyone looking to navigate the complexities of their career paths, innovate their branding, and foster a more balanced, fulfilling professional life.   Sonja's Contact Information: Website: https://infiniteleaders.co LinkedIn: @sonjaprice   Tacey's Contact Information: Website: taceyatkinson.com All Socials: @TaceyAtkinson   Thank you for tuning in, and I look forward to having more valuable conversations together in the future. Remember: Customer-Centric Cultures Create Magical Customer Experiences. Now Go, Create the Magic!

On this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Alison Dixon, the Chief Customer Experience Officer at Portnox, a leader in zero-trust network access control. Alison's unique insights stem from her diverse background, which encompasses various roles in HR, sales enablement, and IT. As we dove into the conversation, Alison shared her journey of building a customer experience organization from the ground up at Portnox, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing customer relationships in a rapidly growing tech environment. Alison recounted her initial days at Portnox, which began as a small startup of about 20 employees. Soon after her arrival, she recognized the pressing need for deeper insights into customer accounts and interactions as the company scaled. Her prior experience as a fundraiser and in HR equipped her with a holistic approach to understanding customer psychology and needs. Through meticulous customer journey mapping, she established strategies that centred on enhancing the overall experience, detailing how each stage of customer interaction contributes to long-term loyalty and satisfaction. We delved into the often transactional mindset prevalent in many organizations, particularly those that prioritize immediate revenue over long-term relationships. Alison argued firmly for a shift towards valuing customer experiences, stating that a lack of focus on building connections could lead to lost opportunities, even for small clients who may evolve into significant partners over time. Her philosophy is clear: if companies establish authentic human connections with their customers, they stand to gain far more than transactional profits. Throughout our discussion, we touched on the high-stakes nature of cybersecurity and how this uniquely shapes customer experience. Alison highlighted the critical importance of maintaining accessibility and support for clients, given the potential risks associated with cybersecurity breaches. She emphasized that customers need confidence in their service providers and need to establish trust through transparent communication, even when addressing negative scenarios. As our conversation progressed, we explored the role of customer experience in product development and overall business strategy. Alison passionately conveyed that understanding customer feedback not only helps retain clients but also informs the direction of product innovation. This perspective has led her team to integrate CX insights into their roadmap, aligning organizational goals with customer expectations. Towards the latter part of the episode, we took a thought-provoking turn into the realm of artificial intelligence in customer experience. Alison expressed cautious optimism about AI's potential but was wary of its increasing deployment without a foundational human element. She underscored the value of genuine interactions and deep understanding through personal connections — a sentiment she has repeatedly validated through firsthand experiences with Portnox customers. In closing, Alison shared her belief that creating exceptional customer experiences is not the sole responsibility of one department but rather a collective effort throughout the entire organization. By fostering a culture that prioritizes customer care and connection, even the smallest companies can achieve remarkable growth. Overall, this episode offered valuable insights into the evolving landscape of customer experience within the cybersecurity industry, highlighting strategies that can lead to sustained success.   Alison's Contact Information: Website: https://www.portnox.com LinkedIn: @alison-dixon-msod   Tacey's Contact Information: Website: taceyatkinson.com All Socials: @TaceyAtkinson   Thank you for tuning in, and I look forward to having more valuable conversations together in the future. Remember: Customer-Centric Cultures Create Magical Customer Experiences. Now Go, Create the Magic!

On this episode of the Customers First Podcast, I have an insightful conversation with Ken Cox, President of River City Internet Group and the mind behind InLink.com—a platform dedicated to providing small businesses and solopreneurs with the essential tools needed for success. Ken passionately shares his journey from a challenging childhood to becoming a key player in the tech industry, illuminating how his early experiences shaped his approach to empowering entrepreneurs.    Ken discusses the disparities he observed in the business landscape, particularly regarding the resources available to larger corporations compared to small businesses. He emphasizes the importance of creating a level playing field through technology, allowing smaller entities to compete effectively. His mission with InLink.com is to simplify operations for small businesses by offering an all-in-one suite that includes a fully integrated CRM, office tools similar to Google Drive, and unparalleled support. We explore how these resources not only improve productivity but also enhance customer experiences by streamlining communication and marketing efforts.   Throughout our discussion, Ken highlights the transformative impact of artificial intelligence in the business realm. By implementing AI-driven solutions, Ken aims to alleviate common pain points faced by small business owners, ultimately allowing them to focus on what they do best—serving their customers.   We dive deeper into the functionalities that differentiate InLink.com from other software on the market, such as its commitment to user data privacy, integrated marketing capabilities, and ease of use for entrepreneurs who may be apprehensive about navigating digital tools.   As our conversation unfolds, Ken predicts a future where small businesses leverage both Web 2.0 and 3.0 technologies to expand their presence beyond local markets. He envisions a time when Main Street businesses can create a national brand identity through innovative products and online courses, ultimately doubling or even tripling their revenue streams. For those eager to implement cutting-edge solutions and build winning strategies for their businesses, this episode is a must-listen.   Kens' Contact Information: Website: https://kencox.com LinkedIn: @kencox YouTube: @ClicksBricksPodcast   Tacey's Contact Information: Website: taceyatkinson.com All Socials: @TaceyAtkinson   Thank you for tuning in, and I look forward to having more valuable conversations together in the future.   Remember: Customer-Centric Cultures Create Magical Customer Experiences. Now Go, Create the Magic!

On this episode of the Customers First Podcast, I engage in an insightful conversation with Alexis Boyett, a dynamic entrepreneur whose career encompasses modelling, acting, and immersive experience design. As the founder of Company with Character and The Bippity Platform, Alexis embodies a vision rooted in connection, creativity, and empowerment, guiding individuals to forge deeper connections with themselves and one another. Our dialogue traverses her unique journey, starting from her early days in Los Angeles, where she sought validation through modelling and acting after overcoming past bullying experiences.    Alexis shares the transformative moment she realized the importance of authenticity while on set with A-list celebrities. Her engaging anecdotes showcase that even those in the limelight experience vulnerability and awkwardness, making them beautifully human. As she delves into the pivotal shift from pursuing fame to recognizing her true impact through character entertainment, Alexis highlights her discovery of professional princessing – an avenue that not only reignited her passion for performance but also instilled her with the profound realization of how storytelling can significantly shape children's lives.    Taking her experience to the next level, Alexis founded her nationwide company focused on character entertainment, integrating anti-bullying messages into her performances. However, the onset of the pandemic prompted her to reassess her path. After selling her company to her performers, she launched Bippity, the first business and personal development platform aimed at character entertainers. We explore her passion for bringing character entertainment into corporate spaces, as she introduces innovative offerings like the Holiday Cheer Calendar that evoke joy and creativity among teams.   We also discuss the nuances of entrepreneurship, particularly the challenges creative individuals often face in distinguishing their business from their own personal value. Alexis emphasizes the importance of viewing business as a creative expression rather than an extension of self-worth, allowing for growth and innovation without emotional entanglements. Through this lens, she offers poignant insights into maintaining alignment with one's values while navigating the complexities of building a sustainable business.   The culmination of our conversation reveals the essence of her work, encouraging individuals to embrace their authenticity and diminish the fear of failure. In closing, Alexis leaves us with a powerful reminder of the importance of making magic and believing in one's unique light. This episode is a deeper exploration of how creative entrepreneurship and personal authenticity can intersect, creating opportunities for connection and growth in both personal and professional spheres.   Alexis' Contact Information: Website: https://www.thecompanywithcharacter.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thecwc/ Instagram: @thebippityplatform   Tacey's Contact Information: Website: taceyatkinson.com All Socials: @TaceyAtkinson   Thank you for tuning in, and I look forward to having more valuable conversations together in the future.   Remember: Customer-Centric Cultures Create Magical Customer Experiences. Now Go, Create the Magic!  

On this episode of the Customers First Podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Al Kushner, a renowned thought leader and author known for his expertise in AI-driven personal branding strategies on LinkedIn. As the conversation unfolded, Al shared invaluable insights and practical tips aimed at helping professionals leverage the power of LinkedIn to build their brands and foster authentic relationships.  We began our dialogue by delving into Al's inspiration for his book, "The AI LinkedIn Advantage: Unleash the Power of AI and Dominate the Competition," where he identified a gap in the market that combines LinkedIn strategies with AI technology. Al discussed his fundamental belief that an optimized LinkedIn profile is crucial for establishing trust and attracting meaningful connections. As businesses increasingly turn to LinkedIn for relationship-building, Al provided strategies for how they can utilize their company pages effectively, emphasizing the importance of authenticity over aggressive marketing tactics. We discussed how companies can maintain a credible presence by offering valuable content and avoiding practices that lead to account restrictions, such as outsourcing personal page management. Al also explained how customer service can be transformed by using LinkedIn as a strategy hub. He highlighted the platform's ability to connect individuals directly with influencers and decision-makers through timely conversations tied to recent posts. This approach fosters a more engaging environment than traditional email outreach, which often ends up in spam folders. Throughout our conversation, Al reiterated that successful interactions on LinkedIn are about giving more than receiving, urging listeners to create value through their content and interactions. One of the standout strategies discussed was the creation of LinkedIn newsletters. Al explained that newsletters not only keep followers informed but also tap into LinkedIn's high authority, ensuring content reaches inboxes effectively. This strategy, combined with video content—which Al noted captures attention better than text—positions professionals and businesses alike for greater visibility and engagement on the platform. In the latter part of the episode, we touched on Al's special gift for listeners—a free e-book designed to optimize LinkedIn profiles, along with his upcoming book release, which includes valuable LinkedIn prompts. Al's genuine passion for supporting others in their professional journeys was evident as he encouraged listeners to reach out for further assistance. This episode is packed with actionable advice and profound insights to help listeners create exceptional personal brands and leverage LinkedIn's capabilities. Al's perspective promises to inspire and guide professionals across various industries, fostering meaningful connections and driving growth.   Al's Contact Information: Website: alkushnerspeaks.com LinkedIn: @al-kushner Link to Free E-Book: linkedvantage.com   Tacey's Contact Information: Website: taceyatkinson.com All Socials: @TaceyAtkinson   Thank you for tuning in, and I look forward to having more valuable conversations together in the future.   Remember: Customer-Centric Cultures Create Magical Customer Experiences. Now Go, Create the Magic!

On this episode, I dive into an enlightening conversation with Ryan Rael, a certified customer experience strategist and founder of Tight Ship CX. We explore how businesses can elevate their customer experience by streamlining operations and optimizing customer journeys while leveraging the right technology.  Ryan details the importance of customer feedback and technology in shaping exceptional customer journeys. He emphasizes how the blend of innovation from small businesses and the structured processes of corporate environments can create powerful strategies for growth and improved customer loyalty. Throughout our discussion, Ryan highlights the importance of understanding the connections between operational efficiency and customer satisfaction, asserting that businesses often overlook the impact their internal processes have on customer experiences. We address the common misconceptions businesses have about customer experience being a cost center, and Ryan provides concrete strategies for shifting this perspective. By identifying quick wins—such as obtaining feedback through accessible tech or refining response times—business leaders can demonstrate the direct relationship between customer experience enhancements and revenue growth. Ryan emphasizes the need for organizations to move beyond a transactional mindset and to foster deeper, relationship-oriented customer interactions that underpin long-term loyalty. A crucial point is the role of effective communication in customer experience. Ryan advocates for closing the feedback loop with customers, explaining that it's essential not just to gather insights but also to inform customers about changes made as a result of their feedback. This creates a sense of respect and value in the customer relationship, enriching their overall experience with the brand. Ryan reveals the initial step he takes with new clients: conducting a customer experience audit, giving a comprehensive view of the customer journey, to highlight key areas for improvement. Utilizing this holistic evaluation, businesses can gain clarity on customer touchpoints and uncover opportunities for impactful changes. The episode is a treasure trove of practical strategies and insights for any business leader to create truly customer-centric cultures.   Ryan's Contact Information: Website: TightShip Cx LinkedIn: @ryan-rael-ccxp   Tacey's Contact Information: Website: taceyatkinson.com All Socials: @TaceyAtkinson   Thank you for tuning in, and I look forward to having more valuable conversations together in the future. Remember: Customer-Centric Cultures Create Magical Customer Experiences. Now Go, Create the Magic!

On this episode of the Customers First podcast, I engage in a powerful discussion with Amita Sharma, co-founder of NourishDoc, a holistic wellness platform designed specifically for midlife women. Amita shares her journey through the debilitating symptoms she faced, underscoring how these experiences motivated her to create a platform that emphasizes empathy, personalization, and trust to meet the needs of underserved populations. Amita takes us through her vast background in high-tech, which provided her with a unique perspective on the gaps prevalent in healthcare. After experiencing her struggles with perimenopause and realizing the lack of support from both her workplace and healthcare professionals, she felt compelled to explore holistic wellness. Amita interviewed thousands of experts and discovered that the healthcare system largely overlooks women's health issues during these critical life stages due to insufficient research and training. Her revelations marked the beginning of a mission to elevate the conversation around women's health, particularly regarding the symptoms and challenges posed by hormonal changes. We dive deeper into the importance of addressing perimenopausal experiences not just through the lens of individual well-being, but also about workplace productivity. By illuminating how symptoms like brain fog, mood swings, and physical changes can impact women's performance at work, Amita highlights the necessity for businesses to create supportive environments that acknowledge these challenges. This conversation sheds light on how addressing these issues proactively can benefit both employees and employers. Amita elaborates on the 360-degree view of holistic wellness that NourishDoc provides. She explains that holistic wellness is not a trend but rather a comprehensive approach that nurtures the mind, body, and soul. The platform offers various resources such as diet and lifestyle modifications, therapeutic practices like breathwork and yoga, and evidence-based information on health management. Amita emphasizes that wellness isn't limited to physical health; mental and emotional health are equally critical components in navigating life's transitions, and that investing in oneself is imperative. As we conclude, Amita addresses how she has ensured affordability and access remain a priority in her model, understanding that high-quality wellness solutions must be available to everyone. This commitment underscores her compassionate mission to empower women and educate organizations about the importance of supporting their female workforce during these critical life stages.    Amita's Contact Information Website: www.nourishdoc.com LinkedIn: @amita-sharma-nourishdoc   Tacey's Contact Information: Website: taceyatkinson.com All Socials: @TaceyAtkinson   Thank you for tuning in, and I look forward to having more valuable conversations together in the future. Remember: Customer-Centric Cultures Create Magical Customer Experiences. Now Go, Create the Magic!